AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:03 p.m. EDT

Rei Ami from 'KPop Demon Hunters' and comedian Ken Jeong take a bite out of 'Shark Week'

NEW YORK (AP) — Rei Ami, known for her singing voice in “KPop Demon Hunters,” recently faced real sharks during a dive. She was scared but also deeply moved by the experience. Viewers can watch her and hear a new K-pop song inspired by her shark encounter as Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” begins Sunday. The event features 20 new shows exploring sharks, including a dive attempt into shark-infested waters. Actor Ken Jeong joins Rei Ami for the show “K-Pop Shark Heroes.” “Shark Week” aims to educate and entertain, dispelling myths about sharks. It runs for seven nights, ending Aug. 1.

Terrorism trial opens in stabbing of author Salman Rushdie

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The man who was convicted of trying to kill Salman Rushdie is on trial again. Prosecutors and defense lawyers gave opening statements Wednesday in Hadi Matar’s federal terrorism trial in Buffalo, New York. The Booker Prize-winning Rushdie is expected to testify later this week. He was stabbed on a lecture stage in 2022. The 28-year-old Matar has pleaded not guilty. He is serving a 25-year prison sentence on an attempted murder conviction. The federal case is expected to delve more into questions of motive. Prosecutors argue that Matar was acting out of loyalty to Iran’s theocratic government and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. Iran's late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini called for Rushdie’s death following his 1988 novel “The Satanic Verses.”

Kaylee Hottle, deaf 'Godzilla' actor, killed in car crash at 18

Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor known for her roles in two “Godzilla” films, has died in a car crash in Maryland. She was 18. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office reports the crash happened early Tuesday morning. Hottle was one of two passengers when the car went off the road. The driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster. Her parents, who are also deaf, shared emotional tributes online. The crash is under investigation.

On 'Little Miss Twain,' Shania Twain reflects on her humble beginnings and her late mother

NEW YORK (AP) — Shania Twain's new album, “Little Miss Twain,” explores her early life in Northern Ontario, Canada, a chapter she says most of her fans don't know much about. She recalls singing to rugged crowds of miners and hunters in small town bars. The album, out Friday, covers her journey from age 8 to her late 20s, before her major label deal. Twain reflects on her late mother, who managed her early career, in the title track. The album features collaborations with Tanya Tucker and Twain's son, Eja. Twain's voice now has a gravelly tone due to a procedure following her Lyme disease diagnosis, but she embraces her new sound. And it works, particularly in the album's rock ‘n’ roll moments.

The latest thing in cocktails is spicy and savory. Tips and recipes for home bartenders

LONDON (AP) — Spicy drinks are trending, and bartenders are getting creative. Turner Greaves from New York’s Sip and Guzzle describes his tequila highball, Doctor Green, as herbaceous and slightly bitter, with tomatillo, green apple and serrano pepper. Customers can adjust the spice level with a dropper. James Stevenson from London’s Brutes of Mayfair also notes a shift toward savory cocktails. His mezcal-based Bagheera is a spicy margarita with fresh chile and coriander. Agave spirits like tequila and mezcal pair well with spice due to their vegetal profiles. Bartenders are also using ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns and gochujang.

Detective says D4vd ordered chain saws, body bags in hearing to decide if singer should go to trial

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A hearing has begun to determine whether singer D4vd, legally known as David Burke, should go on trial in the killing and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. A homicide detective testified that Burke ordered items like a body bag and chain saws after her death. Prosecutors showed photos of the dismembered body. Authorities allege he killed her to prevent her from revealing their relationship, which could ruin his music career. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and sexual abuse of a minor. Burke's music career reportedly earned over $10 million since 2023.

South Korean singer Lim Kim traces a decade of self-discovery on new album ‘Exit to Nowhere’

SEOUL (AP) — South Korean singer Lim Kim has released her second full-length album, “Exit to Nowhere,” 13 years after her debut album, “A Voice.” The seven-track record traces her journey from uncertain 20s to early 30s. When Kim released her last major project in 2019, she said global interest in South Korea and its music, including K-pop, was still developing. Kim said her new album represents a move away from the broader cultural questions and toward a more personal reflection.

Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose tabbed as NBA 2K cover athletes

NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose have been revealed as the cover athletes for NBA 2K27. Wembanyama is featured on the Standard Edition, Clark on the Deluxe Edition, and Rose on the limited-time Ultra Edition. The Standard Edition launches on September 4, while Deluxe and Ultra editions offer early access starting August 28. Rose, who was also on the cover of NBA 2K13, sees this as a chance to inspire young athletes.

Movie Review: Pickleball is the star of the sports comedy ‘The Dink’

The new Apple TV movie “The Dink” is a comedy about a former tennis prodigy who learns to embrace pickleball. Jake Johnson stars as Dusty, a washed-up player whose domineering father, played by Ed Harris, pushed him toward tennis stardom. When his doctor, portrayed by Ben Stiller, suggests pickleball for rehab, Dusty reluctantly joins a group of older women players. The film, directed by Josh Greenbaum, features eccentric characters and high-profile cameos. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that it's a lighthearted watch that balances silliness and heart.